Crab Cottage’s architecture is all about clean lines and the huge windows that allow the coastal light to pour in. But there is nothing minimal or austere about the interior design. The white walls and grey wood flooring are softened by statement lighting, carefully chosen paintings (many painted by the owner, an artist) and accessories, and comfortable sofas, beds and places to lounge. The statement kitchen is painted the dark blue of a stormy seascape and will entice the keen cook in with cleverly concealed storage and a Lacanche range. Find the secret door in the library area, and you can commandeer the bathroom behind and enjoy a long soak in the bath while gazing out to sea.

Just add friends, long walks on the beach, fresh Selsey crab bought straight off the boat, and sundowners overlooking the sea, to create your perfect seaside holiday.

Outside

The multiple decks around Crab Cottage are furnished with coffee tables and bistro-style tables and chairs. There is a lovely, sheltered alfresco dining area in the back garden, complete with teak table, chairs and an umbrella, perfect for enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. The property is surrounded by elegant fencing; leave the garden and cross private East Beach Road, to find the ‘Beach Garden’, complete with festoon lighting, charcoal BBQ and a chimera – perfect for an evening drink overlooking the beach, or a BBQ.

At the rear of the house is a studio which also a utility area, available to guests (including washing machine, tumble dryer, and sink)

Children: are welcome at Crab Cottage. One of the bedrooms can be made up as a twin room, on request. Please note that the deck is 1m up from ground level, and although it is surrounded by grasses, isn’t fenced, so young children would need to be supervised.

Pantry items: the larder is fully stocked; please just replace anything you use, like for like.

Pets: One well behaved dog is allowed if it kept off furniture. 

Parking: There is ample parking for 3-4 cars, just outside the gates and entrance to the property.

Other: Crab Cottage is fully accessible thanks to an extra wide front door, ramp to the entrance, and internal lift (please note that the lift is to be used for disabled access only). There is also a fully accessible wet room to the ground floor.

Beach towels and blankets are available for guests to use, and a heated outside shower for rinsing off the salt water after a swim!

When you are able to spend your holiday in a house that all but dips its toes in the sea, the coast has to be the main attraction. The beaches in and around Selsey stretch for miles, especially west towards Bracklesham Bay and East Wittering. It is usually quiet, even in the peak months – East Beach and Oval Field Beach (which is also sandy at low tide) are dog friendly, too. Swim, walk, lounge, fly a kite, look out for seals just offshore, and make sure not to miss the famous Selsey sunset. Local SUP hire and lessons are available, and Selsey is a PADI diving centre, too.

You can’t visit Selsey and miss seeing the fishermen bringing in the day’s catch – and buying your own Selsey crab, lobster, and prawns fresh off the boat. Head to the Lifeboat Station, which is open every day, to explore more of the sea-faring past of this area. Stunning Pagham Harbour, and the Medmerry Nature Reserve, both nearby, are both teaming with sea & wetland birds.

Just inland, there are miles of glorious walks and cycle trails to be found around the South Downs National Park – not least the famous South Downs Way which stretches all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne, taking in the most stunning coastal vistas and rolling countryside. The cathedral City of Chichester offers some fascinating Roman history, and a vibrant cultural scene thanks to modern art galleries such as Pallant House, and the Chichester Festival Theatre. Arundel has a castle, complete with the wonderful Collector Earl’s Garden, Lido, museum, and some great independent shops.